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Comparing and Contrasting in English

This document provides guidance on using comparing and contrasting language in English discussions and writing. It outlines words and phrases used to compare ideas, such as "like" and "as well as", and to contrast ideas, such as "unlike" and "in contrast to". Examples are given of how to use these words and phrases in short paragraphs. The document also discusses using the comparative form to compare two ideas and the superlative form to compare three or more ideas. Finally, conjunctions and connectors used to contrast positive and negative aspects are listed, and practice discussion topics involving comparing and contrasting are suggested.

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Zita Jeremiás
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386 views

Comparing and Contrasting in English

This document provides guidance on using comparing and contrasting language in English discussions and writing. It outlines words and phrases used to compare ideas, such as "like" and "as well as", and to contrast ideas, such as "unlike" and "in contrast to". Examples are given of how to use these words and phrases in short paragraphs. The document also discusses using the comparative form to compare two ideas and the superlative form to compare three or more ideas. Finally, conjunctions and connectors used to contrast positive and negative aspects are listed, and practice discussion topics involving comparing and contrasting are suggested.

Uploaded by

Zita Jeremiás
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Comparing and Contrasting in English

These Phrases Are Used to Clearly Express Likeness


and Differences

Imagine you are participating in a discussion about ideas. It's not small talk.
It's a discussion about how you feel about something important, like your
beliefs, politics, who you feel is better for a job, and so on. Using the right
phrases and grammar structures can help you express your ideas well.
Knowing how to compare and contrast is a particularly useful tool to get your
point across in an interesting way.

Words and Short Phrases Used to Compare


The following words or short phrases compare two items or ideas:
 like
 likewise
 same as
 as well as
 also, too
 likewise
Here is a short paragraph using some of these expressions:

Time, like money, is a limited resource. You can't buy everything you


want, likewise, you don't have enough time to do everything you want to do.
Our time is the same as our money: it's limited. Also, time is a resource
when work needs to be done.

Words and Short Phrases Used to Contrast


The following words or short phrases contrast two items or ideas:
 unlike
 in contrast to
 as opposed to
 different from
 whereas
Here is a short paragraph using some of these expressions to contrast:

Unlike time or money, desire is an unlimited resource. Think about it: In


contrast to money which can run out, your desire for new experiences and
ideas will never end. Whereas there is never enough time to do everything
you want, your desire will always come up with something new and exciting.

Forms Used When Comparing Ideas


The most important form to use when comparing two ideas is the comparative
form. For three or more ideas, use the superlative form.

1
Comparative Form
These sentences use the comparative form to discuss ideas concerning the
difficult economy:
Employment issues are more important than political problems at this point
in time.
Job training is more critical to a sustained well being than food stamps and
other welfare programs.
Politicians are more worried about reelection than truly improving the
economy.
As ... as
A related form to the comparative is the use of "as ... as." The positive form
shows something is equal. However, when using "as ... as," do not modify the
adjective as in the comparative form.
The loss of manufacturing jobs is as unfortunate as the drop in pay.
Spending on education in my state is as high as in some foreign countries like
Korea.
The negative form shows that something is not equal.
It isn't as easy as you think.
The loss in production isn't as great as in the past.

Superlative Form
These sentences use the superlative form to state what someone feels are the
most important aspect of success at university:
Dedication is the most important factor in success at University.
Opening my mind to new perspectives was the most rewarding part of my
time at university.

Conjunctions and Connectors


Use these subordinating conjunctions, connecting words, and prepositions to
contrast positive and negative aspects.
Though, Although, Even Though
Although the initial cost will be high, we will eventually profit from the time
spent.
It's important to remember that time is money even though many believe that
money is more important.
However, Nonetheless
We need to improve the local infrastructure. However, we must also respect
nature.
The government should invest in job training programs. Nonetheless, that
would be expensive.
Despite, In Spite Of
Despite the difficulty, students will soon see the benefit of this topic of study.
The situation will improve in spite of the economy.

Practice Situations
Find a partner and use these suggestions to practice comparing and
contrasting ideas, events, and people. Make sure to vary the language you use
when practicing rather than using the same phrase over and over again. For
practice, you could try the following topics:
 Discuss the economic situation in your country

2
 Speak about the positive and negative aspects of a politician or political
party
 Compare and contrast two different courses at school
 Consider both sides of an important decision such as an investment, a
career change, etc.

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